This July 4th, many local runners will be among the 60,000+ in the Peachtree Road Race, the world's largest road race. Now a local race to help fight domestic violence has been named a qualifier for the Peachtree Road Race.

For many participants, it can take hours just to get to the starting line as wave upon wave of runners funnels through. Although the race starts at 7:30 a.m., the last wave will not begin until after 9 a.m.

But now you can help move that process along if you participate in the Race Against Violence.

RAV sought application from the USA Track and Field to become a certified course. Course certification means that it has been accurately measured and meets standard to be utilized by other races, such as the Peachtree, to seed participants. Based on past RAVs, individuals should be able to move up two waves with the improved seed times.

Derek Marchman, the RAV Race Director, believes this will help add more participants to the event, but he is excited to be able to help runners receive better wave positions for the Peachtree. He offered that the consultant certifying the course said, "there are other certified races, but none will be as flat and fast as the RAV."

"That was my fastest time" is a common comment by runners every year completing the RAV Race. This fast time can help improve your starting position in the Peachtree Road Race.

The 5th Annual RAV will be held Saturday, October 25 in conjunction with the Olde Town Festival. The race will benefit the Rockdale County Task Force Against Family Violence and the local battered women's shelter, Project Renewal.

The events begin with the "Pre-Race Party" on Friday, October 24th, at 5:30 at Las Flores restaurant in Old Town Conyers. The race will held at the Conyers First United Methodist Church in Conyers on N. Main Street. The first event begins at 8 am with a 1-mile Fun Run followed with the 5K (3.1 mile) run 8:15 am.

For more information, go to rockdaleaware.com or contact Derek Marchman at 678-938-5799.